When I Close My Eyes ~ Review

When I Close My Eyes
By Elizabeth Musser

For years The Awful Year has had power over their family. It was a year when everything changed and since then they have avoided it. But when someone tries to end the life of popular author Josephine Bourdillion's life they may have to face the secrets that have lurked just below the surface.

Henry Hughes never wanted to be a killer-for-hire but he desperately needs the money for his son's surgery. But when everything goes wrong and the woman he was hired to kill survives he knows he is in trouble. But how can he complete the kill now that his target has a name? And worse how can he not attempt it? His son's life depends on his next decision.

When I Close My Eyes is told from the viewpoints of Josephine, Henry, and Paige (Josephine's 17-year-old daughter). Interspersed throughout are memories from The Awful Year and from Josephine's youth. This is a book that touches on depression, PTSD, and suicide and just how it touched the lives of not only those suffering from the condition but the effect it has on those around them.

This book is thoughtfully written as the various characters face their unique challenges. I really liked Paige who is determined to protect her family even though the awful year still weighs heavy on her heart. Forgiveness and the love of Christ is the driving force that propels the story forward to its ending that will satisfy readers.

I've never experienced Elizabeth Musser's work before and was more than pleased to discover another author to add to my list of to-be-read authors. The characters are engaging and one can empathize with the situations in which they find themselves in. This would be an excellent book club selection and would provide hours of discussion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Won't they find out about The Awful Year. . . ?

There is one story novelist Josephine Bourdillon shirked from writing. And now she may never have a chance. Trapped in her memories, she lies in a coma.

The man who put her there is just as paralyzed. Former soldier Henry Hughes failed to complete the kill. What's more: he failed to receive payment--funds that would ensure surgery for his young son.

As detectives investigate disturbing fan letters, a young but not-so-naïve Paige Bourdillon turns to her mother's tormented past for answers. How bad could remembering The Awful Year truly be compared to the one they're all living?

Set against the flaming hills of North Carolina and the peaceful shores of the Mediterranean Sea, When I Close My Eyes tells the story of two families struggling with dysfunction and finding that love is stronger than death.

My God Loves Me Bible ~ Review

My God Loves Me Bible
By Cecilie Fodor
Illustrated by Gavin Scott

This board book has a handy red handle that your young reader will appreciate as they can easily take this book with them everywhere. It is a little heavy which is to be expected with a board book. There are 18 stories that are each 2 pages in length. The first page says "My God Loves Me" this is followed by a reason why. The second page has a couple of scripture references and a short passage that corresponds with the scriptures and why from the preceding page.

There are illustrations throughout that will appeal to young readers. Each passage is fairly short and so is perfect for the youngest readers (or listeners) who may have a short attention span. The main focus throughout is that "My God loves me" while tying this fact in with some of the most commonly used Bible stories and showing God's love for these well-known people (for example Moses, David, and those to whom Jesus ministered).

It is important to note that the scripture references are not the text but rather the book, chapter, and verse (such as Genesis 1:26-31). That being said you will want to have a Bible close at hand so that you can share the scripture passages too. Other than that I think this is a nice little intro to the Bible for the little ones in your life.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

This colorful book unpacks the wonderful truth that each child is loved by God

God speaks His love through every single story of the Bible. What a beautiful message for little hearts to hear!

With eighteen Bible stories from creation through the life and resurrection of Jesus, My God Loves Me Bible shows children that they are precious beyond measure in God's sight.

Each Bible story is supported by Scripture to bring out the truth it reveals. The stories are told both through words and colorful scenes and visual details young children will love.

With this Bible in their hands, they will say with joy, "God loves me!"

My Bedtime Bible Prayers ~ Review

My Bedtime Bible Prayers
By Karoline Pahus Pedersen
Illustrated by Gavin Scott

My Bedtime Bible Prayers is a book that is geared to young readers that attempts to show that prayer is a conversation with God. There are 44 offerings that are 2 pages each. The first page offers 2 scripture references while the second page offers a prayer. The prayers are not carbon copies of each other thus reinforcing the concept of prayer as a conversation. God is referred to as God or Dad in the salutation of the prayers.

All too often prayer is presented as a scary and unknown aspect of the Christian life so that all too often it is avoided. But thinking of prayer rather as a conversation takes away some of the trepidations one might feel. And for many, this can change the frequency of prayer from seldom to daily.

This book is 93 pages in length and none of the prayers are long so short attention spans should not be a problem. There are color illustrations throughout and a table of contents so that you can pick a prayer depending on the needs of your day. Each prayer ends with "good night" so it is obvious that this is meant for nighttime reading but if you want to use it for a morning devotional it is easy to just say "good morning" instead. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Kregel Publications with no expectations buts that I provide my honest opinion.


About the Book:
My Bedtime Bible Prayers is creatively designed to encourage Bible reading and prayer as a natural part of any nighttime routine.

Inside are 44 prayers, each based on a Bible verse and Bible story, along with a takeaway question. The whimsical illustrations featured throughout depict both Bible scenes and contemporary life. With this caring guidance, children ages 6-8 will learn to share their hearts and thoughts with God--while also discovering how much He loves them!

The Girl Behind the Red Rope ~ Review

The Girl Behind the Red Rope

By Ted Dekker 

      and Rachelle Dekker

Let's just say that this book has a certain creepy factor that one comes to expect from Ted Dekker's work. And the opening chapter with Sylous making an appearance to the faithful of Holy Family Church of Clarksville, Tennessee, just smacks of something sinister. But are the impressions of this sighting by then six-year-old Grace accurate or distorted by her youthful views?   

Thirteen years have passed and Grace finds herself living in the safety of Haven Valley the secluded valley to which Rose lead them more than a decade ago. As long as they stay behind the red rope that marks the boundary of their safe haven they will be safe from the plague that has and is decimating the outside world. But they have rules that they must follow - rules that will keep them safe - rules to ensure that they stay pure. But when the boundaries that they have always followed are broken just what price will they have to pay to restore their faith and to lay their doubts aside?

The Girl Behind the Red Rope is an intriguing read. One could in a way see oneself in just such a similar situation. What does one surround oneself with for protection from the world around us? What does one let fear drive one to do? It is in such a world that Grace finds herself and now finds herself in conflict with. Is color wrong? Is the feeling of emotion a sin? Is illness an outward manifestation of hidden sin? 

This book while entertaining also makes one think deeper about what we do in our own lives. Have we created a prison of our own making created out of our fears? Can coming into the light of truth shatter the lies that have walled us in? If you are looking for a book that is more than words upon a page that offers different layers of depth you won't want to miss this one. This would make a fantastic book club selection with some many potential topics for discussion.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

In a world where the boundaries are clear and punishments severe, a young woman risks everything to break free from the system of fear and control to find freedom and love. 

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history. When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure--and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red perimeter.

Her older brother's questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she's seen in a decade set in motion events that will question everything Grace has built her life on. Enemies rise on all sides--but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost her to uncover the truth?

For the first time, bestselling authors Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker team up and deliver an intense, tightly focused ride through the most treacherous world of all.

Foremost ~ Review

Foremost
The Lost Princesses #2
By Jody Hedlund

Maribel's only memories are of life within the isolated abbey hidden away in the Highlands away from the eyes of all save those who call it home. She is anticipating the day when she can take her vows and become a nun. Her healing skills are a gift from God and only as a nun will she be allowed to treat those in need. She knows that she along with her two best friends Edmund and Colette were orphans of noble families that were slaughtered when King Ethelwulf invaded Mercia.

But Maribel's world is shaken when a visitor arrives declaring that she is one of the Lost Princesses of Mercia. Worse she is being hunted by King Ethelwulf's Elite Guard in an attempt to secure his hold upon Mercia forever. Maribel is determined to reunite with the sisters she never knew she had but she isn't willing to give up her desire to take her vows.

Time is against them and all too soon Maribel and her appointed protector Edmund are on the run from Ethelwulf's troops. Can the pair stay ahead of their enemy and make their way to Norland and the presence of Queen Adelaide Constance?

Maribel's protector Edmund Chambers has loved Maribel as long as he's known her though he knows she sees him as just a friend or perhaps a brother. And he is willing to do anything to keep her safe even if it costs him his life! And to get this Lost Princess away from the clutches of Ethelwulf he just might pay it.

Foremost is the second book in the Lost Princesses series and it is just as good if not better than the first book Evermore. Now you absolutely must read the prequel novella Always and Evermore before starting Foremost. The books must be read in order to fully enjoy the series and to understand what exactly is taking place. And seriously they will look great on your bookshelf lined up together.

Those familiar with Jody Hedlund's YA books will enjoy this latest offering that offers enough twists and teases to capture the reader's attention from cover to cover. And the ending gives just enough of a hint of what is to come that the reader will be anticipating book 3 which is releasing at the end of  October 2019.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

A second princess. 

Another key to the treasure. 

And a cruel king desperate to squelch the growing rebellion.

Raised in an isolated abbey, Lady Maribel desires nothing more than to become a nun and continue practicing her healing arts. She’s carefree and happy with her life…until a visitor comes to the abbey and reveals her true identity as one of the lost princesses.

When he was a young boy, Edmund Chambers helplessly watched King Ethelwulf murder his family. Edmund escaped and has lived in the abbey ever since, uniquely trained to work with wild animals. Secretly, he loves Maribel and desperately hopes she doesn’t complete her holy order vows.

When King Ethelwulf’s army arrives at the abbey to capture Maribel, she flees with Edmund across the desolate Highlands in an attempt to reach Adelaide’s rebel army. Edmund can no longer hide his love, but can Maribel give up her dreams of becoming a nun to love him in return?

Available for purchase on Amazon

Add to your to-be-read Goodreads list

Learn more at Jody's website

Ford ~ Review

Ford
Montana Marshalls #3
By Susan May Warren

Ford Marshall just isn't himself anymore, not since Scarlett Hathaway left the team and is no longer the voice in his ear, the steadying presence he needs to get him through the mission. And now that he has the added worry about RJ he is more than a little distracted on his current mission - enough so that he just might make a mistake that he may not live to regret.

Scarlett Hathaway is just about to start a new career pathway having passed the needed tests to qualify for Rescue Swimmer training. There is just one problem her half-brother Gunner needs her and her future with the Navy is in doubt. When Ford shows up asking for her help how can she say no? After all, this could very well prove to be her last mission and what better way to go out than on a rescue mission with the man who means the most to her.

RJ (aka Ruby Jane) Marshall was just supposed to pass on some needed intel, after all, she's just an analyst, not an agent. But she now finds herself in hiding in Russia and the assumed attempted assassin of a Russian official. She wasn't even supposed to be in Russia and now she might never get out alive.

This is the third book in the Montana Marshalls series and though Ford takes center stage as evidenced by the title of the book FORD in no way does it leave out the rest of the Marshall clan. RJ, Ford's twin sister is also a key player in this book as her mishap in Russia is the catalyst for getting both Ford and Scarlett heading to Russia and the vast unknown to rescue her. We also learn more about Scarlett and her background as she has to deal with her conflicted feelings about her mother, her mother's boyfriends, her future, and Ford-the man who seems determined to single-handedly save the world. This just might be the day that one of the Marshalls doesn't come home...

Those who have read the previous books in the series (Knox and Tate) will enjoy this one just as much if not more. If you are new to the series this book will not give you trouble in any way as it could easily be a standalone title. So if you are a fan of suspense and romance you'll enjoy adding this book to your TBR (to be read) list.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Family…country…or the woman he loves…

Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.

But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.

Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.

But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?
And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?

The third book in the Montana Marshalls series will leave you breathless!

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Most Important Stories of the Bible ~ Review

The Most Important Stories of the Bible
Understanding God's Word Through the Stories It Tells
By Christopher D. Hudson
   and Stan Campbell

This book takes the reader from Genesis through Revelation touching on 75 of the most important stories that give an overview of the whole. Forty-three come from the Old Testament and thirty-two from the New Testament.

The book is broken down into six main sections Beginnings, Patriarchs, Israel's Family Becomes a Nation, Kings and Prophets, Stories of  Jesus, and Stories of the Early Church. Beginnings covers what one would expect Creation, the first sin, the flood and the Tower of Babel. The Patriarchs covers the promise God made to Abraham, the fulfillment of that promise through Issac, Esau, and Jacob and Joseph's life in Eygpt. Israel's Family Becomes a Nation begins with God speaking to Moses through the burning bush, the plagues on Eygpt, the people's journey through the desert, the taking of the Promised Land and the lives of Gideon, Samson, and Ruth and Boaz. Kings and Prophets begins with the call of Samuel, King Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Israel's captivity and then their return to Jerusalem. Stories of Jesus shares the birth of John the Baptist, the Birth of Jesus, the baptism and temptation of Jesus, Jesus's ministry and parables, and the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Stories of the Early Church opens with the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, the work of the disciples, Saul's conversion and ministry as Paul, and concludes with John's vision. Each section opens with a timeline of what is taking place during this Biblical period and major events of the world.

This book can be a daily reading and take approximately two and a half months to go through. Or one could do it as a weekend devotional with a reading on both Saturday and Sunday taking almost 10 months to go through. Or you could do one a week for just under 1-1/2 years. Though I'll be honest I often read more than one selection a day so I went through this book fairly quickly. 

This would make an excellent gift for a new believer who wants to quickly get a better understanding of the Bible. This would also be a good way to introduce young readers to the Bible. The book is just over 180 pages so no reading is too long so lack of time won't be a problem with this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

All Your Favorite Stories from the Bible

 . . . and Why They Matter to You!

Perhaps you've heard of the exciting adventures of David and Goliath, Noah, or Daniel in the lion's den, but you don't know the details. Or maybe you read Bible stories like these a long time ago, but you can't figure out how they fit together and what you're supposed to get out of them.

The Most Important Stories of the Bible will lay out for you the key stories in Scripture and how they flow into one big story. Each chapter is compact, easy-to-read, and includes a brief introduction to explain the historical context, plus a summary to help you understand its most important lessons for your life and faith.

There's a reason most of the Bible is made up of stories. They speak to us in a deep way, helping us internalize God's message. And in the end, understanding the stories of God's Word will help us connect more closely to Jesus, the greatest storyteller of all. 

About the Authors:

Christopher Hudson is the author of numerous books, including the Self-Guided Tour of the Bible and Navigating the Bible, and has contributed to over fifty Bible projects. Christopher is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL) and has been an active teacher in his church for over twenty years. He lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.

Stan Campbell holds communication degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and Wheaton College. He has authored dozens of Bible-related books, primarily for youth and seeker markets, including the first three editions of The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible. He and his wife, Kathy, live in the Nashville area.

Reforesting Faith ~ Review

Reforesting Faith
By Matthew Sleeth, MD

What Trees 

Teach Us About the

Nature of God and His Love for Us

Trees are all around us both in the world and in the Scriptures. Trees are a common factor in teaching us about God and His love for us. The Bible begins and ends with references to trees. But how does this impact us in our lives today? Well, Doctor Matthew Sleeth is about to take us on the journey of discovery that impacted his life and brought him into faith and a relationship with God.

All too often we are too busy to see the trees but they are there. In fact, the very fall of humanity is linked to a tree - the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And humanity's fall separated us from God and the Tree of Life. But though we cannot physically partake of the Tree of Life God has provided a spiritual substitute that will feed our soul His Word and the wisdom that it holds is referred to as the Tree of Life. I also find it interesting that a tree broke humanities connection to God and it was through a tree (the cross) that God offered a path of restoration to Him.

Trees have been with us since the beginning of time, in fact, God called trees into being before He created man. Take time to find a tree, sit beneath it and use this time of quiet to talk to God and listen for His voice. These tools that help God tell us His story are the perfect place to spend time with Him. We are to be like trees planted by streams of water and give our fruit when it is time to harvest it and what better way to do this than beneath the branches that we are to learn from while reading His Word.

This is a book that very interesting as the author takes much the reader through his own personal experiences and examples from the Bible. I wouldn't call this a devotional but it could certainly be added to one's daily devotional readings. It is an excellent resource to share with any who want materials to aid them in their daily Christian life. If you look you too will find God in all parts of His Creation. I also feel this would be a good choice for a study group - so if you are looking for a summer title I highly recommend this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book launch program.
About the Book:

The Bible talks about trees more than any living creation other than people. 

Perhaps you've missed the forest...and the trees.

In this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, former physician and carpenter Dr. Matthew Sleeth makes the convincing case why trees are essential to every Christian's understanding of God.

Yet we've mostly missed how God has chosen to tell His story--and ours--through the lens of trees. There's a tree on the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation. The Bible refers to its wisdom as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18). Every major Biblical character has a tree associated with them. Jesus himself says he is the true vine (John 15:1). A tree was used to kill Jesus--and a tree is the only thing the Messiah ever harmed.

This is no accident. When we subtract trees from Scripture, we miss lessons of faith necessary for our growth.

This is the rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator. It offers inspirational yet practical ways to express our love for God--and our neighbors--by planting spiritual trees and physical trees in the world.

Join Dr. Sleeth as he navigates the Bible's trail of trees to explore the wonders of life, death, and rebirth. You'll be amazed at how science is just beginning to catch up to the truths described in Scripture thousands of years ago. Once you discover the hidden language of trees, your walk through the woods--and through Scripture--will never be the same.

Get a peek at Chapter One

A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night ~ Review

A Cloud by Day, A Fire by Night
By A.W. Tozer
Compiled and Edited by James L. Snyder

This book is a collection of the sermons that Tozer gave to his Chicago congregation before he accepted a call to a church in Toronto - it focuses on how we can find and follow God's will for us. His message, though written quite a few years ago, is still relevant to today.

How can we know God's will for us? One of the first things to do is quiet our hearts - we are all too often caught up in the chaos and noise of what the world throws at us. Technology is always present and a distraction from hearing God's voice. We need to discipline ourselves daily to make time to listen to God. It is only by listening to God's voice that we can obey Him. And obedience gives us the promise of God being our strength and foundation in our battle against our enemies - Satan, sin, and the fallen world around us. And our obedience is a sign of our commitment to God a commitment that has eternal ramifications.

We need to be careful though and not romanticize the positives of following God. We need to be aware that there will be difficulties and trials that will test us. We need to remember that Jesus carried a cross and we are to take it up and follow Him. But it is through these times of obedience during trials that we find the "joy, privilege, and glory of God." And disobedience can have long term effects as we see through Israel's 40 years of wilderness wanderings. Even when it appears that blessings are not something that we're experiencing we have the promise of what is to come. Sometimes the blessing is delayed because we need to learn something from the wait. We must not be discouraged as that is what the enemy wants instead we need to see that we can lean on God to get us through this time of darkness - He is always present waiting for us to listen and take the hand that He is offering to us.

I found this to be an excellent book and one which I plan to read again as there is much to contemplate and to be learned. I liked that each chapter opened with a prayer and ended with a few lines from a hymn. Some of the hymns I was familiar while others were new to me but each was well suited to the chapter that had just concluded. This book is well suited to any Christian whether they be a new believer or one with years to their faith. One can always use encouragement along the journey.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Discover Where God is Leading You!

How can I know God's will for me, personally? It's a question that haunts us all at times--maybe when we're looking for the right job, thinking about moving to a new city, or deciding whether or not to get married. At every stage we have difficult decisions to make, and we long for God's direction and His warm reassurance that we're heading the right way.

A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night captures A.W. Tozer's teaching on the will of God. Taken from sermons he preached just before he left his successful church in Chicago, the title comes from the story of God leading His people out of Egypt and into the promised land.

Tozer was no stranger to facing difficult decisions. His wisdom and biblical insight will help guide you in decisions of your own and reassure you of God's presence every step of the way.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) was a self-taught theologian, pastor, and writer whose powerful words continue to grip the intellect and stir the soul of today's believer. He authored more than forty books. The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy are considered modern devotional classics. Get Tozer information and quotes at www.twitter.com/TozerAW.

Reverend James L. Snyder (www.jamessnyderministries.com) is an award-winning author whose writings have appeared in more than 80 periodicals and 15 books. He is recognized as an authority on the life and ministry of A.W. Tozer. His first book, In Pursuit of God: The Life of A.W. Tozer, won the Reader's Choice Award in 1992 by Christianity Today. Because of his thorough knowledge of Tozer, James was given the rights from the A.W. Tozer estate to produce new books derived from over 400 never-before-published audio tapes. James and his wife live in Ocala, Florida.

Easter is Coming ~ Review

Easter is Coming
By Tama Fortner
Illustrated by Wazza Pink

This is a delightful story about Easter that is presented so that even young children can learn that it was a gift of love from God. Children are taken on a short journey through the Bible starting with Creation and the first sin and the message of the prophets. The main focus of this book though is the life of Jesus and that Easter is coming.

This is a board book that measures approximately 8.25" x 8.25" (or 21 x 21 cm). The cover is padded so easy to hold while reading. The illustrations are colorful but soft perfectly complimenting the story. At 23 pages it isn't too long for short attention spans while sharing a powerful and important message Easter is Coming and it is the proof of God's love for us today. Perfect for bedtime reading or as the start to your day. This is a good family time book whether shared with a parent and child or a grandparent and a slew of grandchildren scattered round about.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Did you know?... Easter is coming!

This special day is more than bunnies and baskets. It's about God and a love so great that He planned to send His Son to save us...right from the very start.

Designed to be read and reread on the days leading up to Easter, this book teaches little hearts to celebrate and anticipate the true joy of Easter.

When I Pray for You ~ Review

When I Pray for You
By Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrated by Kimberly Barnes

When I Pray for You is a story that shares the love of a parent for their child each and every time they pray for them. Each day brings growth and new prayers and wonders. From the moment of first knowing one's child and through the years of change one prays for growth and a purpose that brings caring, love and light to the world.

This picture book is less than 40 pages with approximately 20 to 40 words per page. The book has a lyrical flow that is well suited to the illustrations (or I should perhaps say the illustrations are well suited to the textual flow). The illustrations are well developed, colored throughout with a blend of brights, pastels, and primaries. The friends of the main child that are portrayed are a well-balanced variance of skin tones which is, in my opinion, a definite plus.

This is a lovely story that you'll love sharing with all the little ones in your life and it may become a favorite bedtime go-to choice. Know someone expecting a little one? This would be the perfect gift.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book launch program.

About the Book:

From the moment I saw you,

I started to pray. Big prayers and

small ones I have sent God's way.

With lyricism, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion, Matthew Paul Turner reveals the tender feelings connected with watching a beloved child grow and experience the world. Paired with Kimberley Barnes's vivid and playful illustrations, When I Pray for You is a beautifully affirming book in which children and parents see their own stories come to life. When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, while sharing with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them. This is a book you will read to your child again and again.

I prayed you felt safe, full of joy and content.

That when I whispered "I love you,"

you knew what I meant.

Jesus: His Life ~ First Look at Upcoming Documentary Series

HISTORY® TO PREMIERE EIGHT-PART EVENT

“JESUS: HIS LIFE” ON MONDAY, MARCH 25

Epic Retelling of the Life of Jesus Christ

Airs Over Four Weeks Leading Up to Easter

New York, NY – January 23, 2019 – HISTORY’s eight-part event “Jesus: His Life” explores the story of Jesus Christ through a unique lens: the people in his life who were closest to him. Each of the eight chapters is told from the perspective of different biblical figures, all of whom played a pivotal role in Jesus’ life including Joseph, John the Baptist, Mary Mother of Jesus, Caiaphas, Judas Iscariot, Pontius Pilate, Mary Magdalene, and Peter.

Each figure takes a turn guiding viewers through the emotional and epic story of the most famous man in history, through his birth, death, and resurrection, all conveyed through a combination of scripted drama and interviews with prominent religious and historical experts. Utilizing some of the world’s most respected Biblical scholars, historians, faith leaders, and theologians, the series weaves together the canonical Gospels, historical sources and cultural context to create a complete portrait of Jesus – the man and the Messiah. The series reveals his journey through a complex world of kings, politicians, reformers, and soldiers in a turbulent power struggle during a time of revolutionary change. “Jesus: His Life” brings viewers into this dramatic world to reveal the greatest story ever told. The series premieres two episodes back-to-back weekly beginning on Monday, March 25 at 8pm ET/PT, with the finale airing just before Easter. A+E Networks holds exclusive worldwide distribution rights for the series which is produced by Nutopia.

“‘Jesus: His Life’ brings together some of the world’s top scholars, historians and faith leaders from diverse ideological and theological perspectives to tell the story of Jesus in a new way,” said Mary Donahue, SVP, Programming and Development for HISTORY. “Viewers will see and experience the life of Jesus as never before, through this powerful and thought-provoking portrait of a man who is one of the most influential people in human history.”

Photos from the Series

Greg Barnett as Jesus Christ in HISTORY's Jesus: His Life. 

Photo credit: Jose Sarmento Matos / History

The series interviews and consulted with a diverse group of scholars, faith leaders, and theologians from across the ideological spectrum to provide a rounded picture of the life and times in which Jesus lived, including:

• Robert Cargill – Assistant Professor of Judaism, Christianity and Classics, University of Iowa
• Christena Cleveland – Associate Professor, Duke University Divinity School
• Bishop Michael Curry – Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church
• Nicola Denzey Lewis – Professor in the Department of Religion, Claremont Graduate University
• Joshua DuBois – Author and CEO, Values Partnerships and Head of White House Office of

• Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships under President Obama

• Rabbi Joshua Garroway – Associate Professor of Early Christianity and the Second Commonwealth,

• Hebrew Union College

• Mark Goodacre – Professor in the Department of Religious Studies, Duke University
• Nyasha Junior – Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible, Temple University
• Mark Leuchter – Professor and Director of Jewish Studies, Temple University
• Kimberly Majeski – Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries, Anderson University
• 
  
• Father James Martin, S.J – Jesuit Priest and Author
• Ryan McAnnally-Linz – Associate Research Scholar, Yale Center for Faith and Culture
• Scot McKnight – Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary
• Father Jonathan Morris – Catholic Priest
• Candida Moss – Professor of Theology, University of Birmingham (UK)
• Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III – Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ
• Joel Osteen – Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Executive Producer
• 
  
• Michael Peppard – Associate Professor in New Testament, Early Christian Studies, Religion and Public

• Life, Fordham University

• 
  
Reverend Gabriel Salguero – Pastor and President of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition
• Stephen Schneck – Associate Professor of Politics, Catholic University of America
• Simon Sebag Montefiore – Historian and Author
• Reverend Shively Smith – Assistant Professor of New Testament, Boston University School of Theology
• Pastor Susan Sparks – Preacher, Comedian and Author
• Miroslav Volf – Founder/Director, Yale Center for Faith and Culture and Professor of Theology, Yale
• 
  

  University Divinity School

  
  
• Ben Witherington III – Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary
• Annette Yoshiko Reed – Associate Professor of Religious Studies, New York University

“Jesus: His Life” is produced for HISTORY by Nutopia with Jane Root and Ben Goold serving as executive
producers. Eli Lehrer, Mary Donahue and Evan Lerner serve as executive producers for HISTORY. Joel Osteen
also serves as Executive Producer. A+E Networks holds exclusive worldwide distribution rights for “Jesus: His Life.”

About HISTORY®
HISTORY, a division of A+E Networks, is the premier destination for historical storytelling. From best-in-class
documentary events, to a signature slate of industry-leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted
programming, HISTORY serves as the most trustworthy source of informational entertainment in media.
HISTORY has been named the #1 U.S. TV network in buzz for seven consecutive years by YouGov BrandIndex,
and a top favorite TV network by Beta Research Corporation. For a deeper dive, visit history.com or follow @history on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

About Nutopia

Nutopia is a leading television production company based in LA, DC, and London, creating innovative,
award-winning, premium content on a global scale. Founded in 2008 by Jane Root, former President of
Discovery Channel US, Controller of BBC2 and co-founder of Wall to Wall TV, Nutopia created the
‘mega doc’ model, blending huge scale history series and high-profile talent from the worlds of documentary
and drama. Nutopia has become synonymous with creating high-quality content that stands out from the crowd,
working with some of the most prominent global broadcasters including Netflix, CNN, National Geographic,
the BBC, PBS and A+E Networks. Most recently, Nutopia created National Geographic’s One Strange Rock 
which received three Wildscreen Festival Panda awards, was nominated for the Critics’ Choice Documentary
awards and was shortlisted for the Grierson Best Science Documentary award. Other recent projects include 
Civilizations (BBC/PBS) and The Great American Read (PBS). Some critical successes for the company include
the Emmy Award-winning series How We Got To Now; two seasons of ratings smash Finding Jesus. Faith. Fact. 
Forgery; Emmy Award-winning series America the Story of Us and Mankind the Story of All of Us.